September 11th, 2001 has ever changed travel. Not only has travel been affected but entry to countries has become more complicated. Entry Requirements are listed below. Please visit the sites linked to in the text for the best possible information.
US Citizens
One needs to be aware of retry requirements to the US.
For current information on regulations for international travel, visit the Travel Section of the US Customs and Border Protection Home Page: http://www.cbp.gov.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens do not require a visa to visit The Bahamas. Canadians can remain in the Bahamas for a maximum period of 8 months. Canadian Citizens must have the following documents:
- A Canadian passport, with an expiry date that is NOT less than 3 months, after leaving The Bahamas (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)
- A return ticket.
- Minor children traveling with only one parent may be required to present a notarised letter of permit from the parent not present.
Canadian Permanent Residents must travel with the following items:
- A valid passport from your country of origin. The passport must be valid for 3 months after return from the Bahamas, and 6 months if transiting through the USA.
- An original Canadian Permanent Resident CARD valid for at least 3 months after travel to the Bahamas and 6 months if transiting through the USA.
- A return ticket.
For answers to further questions visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website section on “Foreigners Travelling to The Bahamas” at: www.bahamas.gov.bs.
Latin American Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from Latin America are required to present a valid passport. The passport must be valid for the duration of stay in the Bahamas. A visa is not required for a stay of less than 3 months. If transiting through The Bahamas passport requirements for the destination country must be followed.
Must have a ticket with a valid departure date from the Bahamas
For more details on visa requirements, please click here.
Airline travelers should go to www.iatatravelcentre.com for information regarding possible additional travel documents (health requirements, visas, and immunisations).
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE is a must to travel to the Bahamas from countries with the risk of infection such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. The vaccine must be administered a minimum of 10 days prior to arrival to the Bahamas. Further information is available at: www.cdc.gov/travel.
Other Countries
Citizens of countries other than the US and Canada are required to present a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates to the Bahamas.
Travellers must have a ticket with a valid departure date. Hotel reservations must be confirmed or the name and address of the residence to be occupied during the visit. Proof of funds to support the visit will also be required.
To download a Bahamas Visa Application Form or to verify the visa requirements, click here.
If arriving in the Bahamas by airline please visit: www.iatatravelcentre.com for further possible requirments.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:
Information regarding Vaccination Requirements can be found on the following sites:www.cdc.gov/travel or the World Health Organization.
Customs and Immigration
Arrival
Upon arriving in The Islands Of The Bahamas, everyone must fill out and sign an immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required. Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits and a variety of personal effects (personal radio headsets, bicycle, two still cameras, etc.). All beer imported into the country is dutiable at a rate of $10 per imperial gallon or $18 per case. Purchases up to a value of $100 are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Departure
For up-to-date information on regulations for International Travel, US Residents should visit the Travel Section of the US Customs and Border Protection Home Page: http://www.cbp.gov.
Boats
If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 30 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 31 feet and over. This covers a vessel with three persons or less. Also included is a cruising permit, a fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $20.00 Departure Tax is waived for up to three persons. Each additional person above three will be charged $20.00 Departure Tax. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.
US Permanent Residents (Non-citizens)
US residents or green card holders need to have in possession a valid Green Card.
For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:
An original Alien Registration Card is required, along with a national passport (passport from country of birth).
For visits exceeding 30 days:
A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for US resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.
Canadian Residents (Non-citizens)
To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, Canadian residents (and landed Canadian immigrants) who are not Canadian citizens are required to present the following documentation:
Passport
For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:
A valid national passport accompanied by a Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
For visits exceeding 30 days:
Contact our nearest Embassy or High Commission.
Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahamas Embassy, Consulate and High Commission Offices:
The Bahamas
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Consular Section
Norfolk House, Frederick Street
P.O. Box N-3746
Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 323-5578/5565
Fax: (242) 326-6186
USA/Washington, DC
Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
2220 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 319-2660/7
Fax: (202) 319-2668
E-mail: bahemb@aol.com
USA/Miami
Bahamas Consulate General
25 S.E. Second Avenue
Ingraham Bldg., Suite 600
Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 373-6295
Fax: (305) 373-6312
E-mail: bcgmia@bellsouth.net
USA/New York
Bahamas Consulate General
Bahama House
231 East 46th Street
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 688-5926
Fax: (212) 688-5926
E-mail: bahamasconsulate@bahamasny.com
Canada
Bahamas High Commission
Metropolitan Life Centre
50 O’Connor, Suite 1313
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1 6L2
Phone: (613) 232-1724
Fax: (613) 232-0097
E-mail: ottawa-mission@bahighco.com
United Kingdom
Bahamas High Commission
10 Chesterfield Street
London, W1J 5JL
England
Phone: (011) 44 207-408-4488
Fax: (011) 44 207-499-9937
E-mail: information@bahamashclondon.net